Pernard-Vergelesses

Most of the vineyards face East or South with a few facing North-East and range in altitudes from 250-300 metres. On the lower slopes are clayey-limestone soils mixed with “chaillots” (flinty residues from silcaceous limestones). These soils are easily worked and rich in potassium and phosphoric acid. Mid-slope, the pebbly limestone soils suit the Pinot Noir, and at the top, the brown or yellowish marly soil harbours the Chardonnay.

Stylistically, Pernand-Vergelesse is known for its terroir-driven wines, producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with pronounced mineral characters. In their youth, the whites are often characterised as tight and lean, with fresh natural acidity and attractive aromatics. With time they open and evolve, gaining layers of complexity while retaining their distinctive minerality.

Pernand-Vergelesse reds are known for their pronounced red fruit aromas, firm fine tannins and excellent minerality. The Premier Cru Pinot Noirs often display greater depth than the villages wines, striking a balance between finesse and structure with concentrated fruit and silky tannins. These wines can be enjoyed young, but can also age very well – in some case for 5-10 years.

Pernand-Vergelesses is home to eight climats classified as Permier Crus: Clos Berthet, Creux de la Net, En Caradeux, Ile des Vergelesses, Les Fichots, Sous Frétille, Vergelesses, Village de Pernand. The village also boasts a number of highly-regarded Lieux-Dits, including Les Plantes des Champs et Combottes, Sous le Bois de Noël et Belles Filles and Sur Herbeux.

Deep dive into the village in the Wine Bites Article “Getting Your Head Around Burgundy Part 11 – The Village of Pernand-Vergelesses”

You’ll find Levi Dalton’s podcast with Claude de Nicolay which touches on this excellent appellation + maps +films exploring the Geology, Georgraphy and wines of the Village.